Archive for May, 2012

The official start of summer is June 20, but the summer weather that we previewed in March seems here to stay. Here are a couple tips to keep you cool in your Western New York garden this summer, as well as other summer tips. Cucumber water is refreshing I tasted cucumber water for the...Read More »

Ricardo Costa, internationally renowned floral designer from Brazil, used a toilet paper roll and yarn to quickly create this fabulous flower arrangement with the flavor of Rio de Janeiro. See the video below. This was one of several arrangements he created during a presentation at the national convention of National Garden Clubs Inc. in...Read More »

“Let your inner zany self come out,” said Kay Kalick, describing what you must do to create an award-winning container garden. Kalick is coordinating the container garden contest to be held as part of the Lewiston GardenFest from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 23 and 24. The GardenFest includes a...Read More »

Buffalo’s sunny skies and warm temperatures greeted gardeners from across the nation and around the world as they arrived last week for the 83rd national convention of the National Garden Clubs Inc. There was plenty to do at the convention, called “Explore the Wonders.” Internationally renowned speakers, seminars, tours and a flower show were...Read More »

Today we have a returning question and three new questions. Can you help these readers? If you have a suggestion for any of them, please leave a comment below. Question #1: Leeks gone wild All of a sudden, I have wild leeks growing throughout my gardens. Last year they were in one section,...Read More »

by Colleen Morrissey, herb manager and container designer at Mischler’s Florist and Greenhouses If you love salad and enjoy gardening, plant a “lettuce bowl” container garden. It’s a quick and easy project. You don’t need much space, so you can have a “lettuce bowl” container garden on a sunny balcony, front stoop or...Read More »

With flowers so large that you need two hands to cup a blossom, the tree peony in the garden of Christine Brooks provides a spectacular spring show. “Isn’t it beautiful?” she asked as I admired the tree with her this past weekend. The tree peony is visible from the street as you drive toward...Read More »

Spring is an overlooked time for gardens in the Buffalo area. It seems we spend our time waiting and preparing for the end of May, the traditional time to plant tender annuals, and we forget to pause and enjoy the beauty of spring gardens. With perennials, you can have successive waves of blooms in...Read More »

You’ll see marvelous examples of bonsai, the miniature gardening art form, at the upcoming Bonsai Show, but there is lots more to do at the show, too. You can also watch demonstrations on how to start a bonsai tree. There will be a table where you can get advice on tending bonsai trees, and...Read More »

I’m trying something new today. Let me know what you think. Occasionally readers contact me with specific gardening questions. Since I’m not an expert gardener, I often can’t answer the question myself, so I try to seek out someone who can. Did you know you can use the same resources I use when trying...Read More »